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NFL 2015: Darkhorse teams to win each division

By Matt Verderame

May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) during the first half of a football game at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) during the first half of a football game at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports /

5. St. Louis Rams

The NFC West is the toughest division in football. The Seattle Seahawks have been lording over the West for the past two years, not only taking the crown but representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. Then there are the Arizona Cardinals, a group that is coached by Bruce Arians and went 11-5 last year despite starting Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley in many of their games.

So why do the Rams have a chance? They finally have a capable quarterback and a top-notch defense. St. Louis also has a coach in Jeff Fisher who is one of the more proven men in football, reaching the Super Bowl once and the playoffs on a multitude of other occasions. With Nick Foles, Fisher and one of the best front fours in football guiding the ship, the Rams finally have  a real chance.

St. Louis can also run the ball with effectiveness after taking Todd Gurley in the first round. Gurley is a powerhouse back, someone who can both run through and around opponents. With Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Aaron Donald and Nick Fairley on the defensive wall, the Rams are going to be a bear to deal with.

4. Buffalo Bills

If the Bills had a really good quarterback, they might be the favorites to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 50. Buffalo has all kinds of talent across the roster, ranging from receivers Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin, to running back LeSean McCoy, to a defense that includes Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus, Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams.

However, the Bills are lacking that signal-caller. Yet, they have a guy on the roster who has proven he can win a division. Matt Cassel won’t be winning the Super Bow, but the AFC East? Sure. Cassel won the AFC West in 2010 with a far less-talented Kansas City Chiefs team. Cassel also won 11 games in 2008 after Tom Brady tore his ACL.

Buffalo will benefit greatly from having Rex Ryan on the sideline. Ryan will take that defense from good to great, employing all kinds of exotic schemes and blitzes. Expect Buffalo to be a dominant group that can wins game by scores of 13-10 and 10-7. It won’t be pretty, but it will be brutally effective.

Next: Cleveland rocks?

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